September 10, 2006

PAINESVILLE, Ohio - Losing the opportunity to open the season at home due to the postponement of the Concordia match, the Bluffton men's soccer team went on the road to Lake Erie College and dropped a 3-1 decision. With the loss, the Beavers opened their season 0-1.

Playing a fast paced game in the first half, the Storm of Lake Erie drew first blood in the 39th minute on a defensive mix-up which resulted in a header from about six yards out. Not losing their drive, the Beaver offense continued to press and managed a forty-yard free kick from the left side of the field. Junior Tyler Chapman (Wooster/Triway) served the ball into the goal area where the Lake Erie goaltender inadvertently ushered it into the goal. Capitalizing on the own goal, Bluffton forced a 1-1 tie at the break.

Following half-time, Lake Erie made some adjustments that served to make the difference and led to a score just five minutes in. Rounding out the scoring, the Storm completed the 3-1 line with their third goal in the 65th minute. Bluffton University did little to generate any offense in the second half failing to register any shots on goal while limiting their opponent to just four. 

Ryan Thomas (Jamestown/Greenview) had a solid game in the net pushing aside seven shots on goal. Freshmen Brandon Kindell (Kenton/Kenton) and Andrew Martin (Allegheny, PA/Allegheny North) had solid debuts for their respective college careers. 

The Beavers return home to host Goshen College (IN) on Saturday, Sept. 9, at 4:00 p.m.

-BEAVERS-